Community in Shock: Pitcairn Mourns the Loss of Two Teenagers in Tragic Triple Shooting

Community in Shock: Pitcairn Mourns the Loss of Two Teenagers in Tragic Triple Shooting

Pitcairn, Pennsylvania – June 2025 _ The quiet borough of Pitcairn, nestled just outside of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, is reeling from an unimaginable tragedy that has shaken the very core of this close-knit community. Earlier this week, a violent shooting incident at a local apartment left three teenagers shot, two of them fatally — sparking an outpouring of grief, heartbreak, and urgent calls for action.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified the victims as:

• Isiah McCarthy, 16, of Pitcairn

• Tyrant Sutton, 16, of Clairton

According to the Allegheny County Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment on Third Street late in the evening of Monday, June 23, 2025. Upon arrival, they discovered three juveniles suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite rapid emergency response, two of the teens were pronounced dead at the scene.

The third victim, whose identity is being withheld due to age and medical privacy, remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition.

A Community Left Reeling

The loss of Isiah and Tyrant has devastated two neighboring towns, with families, classmates, teachers, and community members grappling with the horrific and senseless nature of their deaths. In a borough that prides itself on its neighborly values and strong community ties, such violence feels alien — and utterly heartbreaking.

Isiah McCarthy was a Pitcairn native, a student who loved music and video games, and someone friends described as “quiet but funny, loyal, and respectful.” He had dreams of pursuing a career in audio engineering and often helped out at his church’s youth group events.

Tyrant Sutton, hailing from nearby Clairton, was known for his outgoing personality, deep love for sports — especially basketball — and his protective nature when it came to his siblings and friends. He was visiting Pitcairn that evening, likely unaware of the danger that lay ahead.

Both boys were only 16. Full of promise. Full of life.

“They were just kids,” said Monique Harrell, a local activist and family friend. “They should’ve been worrying about summer jobs, driver’s licenses, not bullets. This isn’t supposed to happen here — or anywhere.”

An Ongoing Investigation

The Allegheny County Police Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, which authorities confirm is active and ongoing. Police have not yet released information about potential suspects or motives. No arrests have been made as of this writing.

Investigators are working around the clock to piece together the sequence of events that led to the shooting. Residents have been urged to come forward with any information or surveillance footage that may help bring clarity and justice to this tragic case.

Authorities believe this was not a random act but may have involved individuals who knew each other. However, they are cautious not to jump to conclusions without evidence.

Vigil and Community Response

In the wake of the tragedy, the borough of Pitcairn has come together in collective mourning. On Wednesday night, hundreds of residents gathered in a candlelight vigil held outside the apartment building where the shooting took place. Balloons were released into the sky, and photos of Isiah and Tyrant lined the sidewalk, surrounded by flowers, candles, and handwritten notes from classmates and friends.

Local clergy led prayers, and the families of the victims bravely stood before the crowd, asking for peace, justice, and unity.

“We don’t want revenge. We want answers. We want healing,” said Tamika McCarthy, Isiah’s mother, through tears. “My son didn’t deserve to die like this. He was my baby.”

Clairton and Pitcairn school districts have both offered grief counseling to students and staff affected by the loss, and community organizations are planning a series of youth forums and outreach events in response to the tragedy.

A Call for Change

The shooting has reignited urgent conversations around youth violence, gun access, and mental health support in Allegheny County. Community leaders are calling on local officials to implement stronger intervention programs, increase funding for after-school activities, and create safe spaces for at-risk teens.

“This is a wake-up call,” said Reverend Leon Simmons of McKeesport. “Our kids are dying. We cannot afford to normalize this pain. We must confront it head-on — through education, opportunity, and love.”

Honoring Their Memory

Plans are underway for memorial services in both Pitcairn and Clairton to honor the lives of Isiah McCarthy and Tyrant Sutton. Their families have launched online fundraisers to help with funeral expenses, and the community has rallied behind them with donations, meals, and unwavering emotional support.

Their stories — of potential, laughter, and lives just beginning — now echo through the hearts of all who knew them. And their names will not be forgotten.

In the face of overwhelming sorrow, the people of Pitcairn and Clairton remain united — vowing not only to remember Isiah and Tyrant but to fight for a future where no family has to endure this kind of pain again.

Rest in power, Isiah and Tyrant. Your lives mattered. Your voices will not be silenced.